How to Choose a Chandelier

Buying a chandelier is a big decision that can dramatically improve the look of almost any room, but it doesn't have to be a difficult one. Keep these simple tips in mind as you browse the wide selection of chandeliers available at ATG Stores.

Chandelier Size

When it comes to chandeliers, how big is too big? The answer is really big, because interior design experts agree the mistake more commonly made is choosing a chandelier that's too small.

Lighting experts have devised a simple formula for approximating the perfect chandelier size: Add the room's length and width to arrive at a number, and that number - in inches - will be the ideal diameter of your chandelier. Example: A living room measuring 15 feet by 15 feet would accommodate a chandelier with a 30-inch diameter.

Chandeliers in dining rooms and foyers typically deviate from the above formula. For the dining room, choose a chandelier that has a diameter of one-half the width of the table over which it will hang. For your foyer or great room, a chandelier should always be at least seven feet from the floor.

If you can't find your preferred chandelier or mini-chandelier in the "ideal" diameter, remember to lean larger rather than smaller.

Chandelier Style

Traditional, transitional and contemporary represent popular chandelier style categories, but the choices don't end there. ATG Stores lets you further fine-tune your selection by deciding if you want crystal, crystal accents or art glass in a range of themes like shabby chic, vintage and Tiffany.

Style is largely influenced by finish and the color of your chandelier will be just as important as its size, if not more so. Popular finishes include bronze, nickel and chrome, although a less traditional approach to design may call for something a little more exotic from the ATG Stores list of options.

Number of Lights / Tiers

Sometimes we have a picture of the perfect chandelier in our minds and its most defining characteristics - such as its lights or number of tiers - are what set it apart. That's why ATG Stores makes it easy to browse these design elements.

A chandelier may have only one or two lights or it may have as many as 25 or more, but most designs fall somewhere in between this spectrum. Those lights can be arranged in many ways and often fall in tiers as the number of lights climbs.

Chandelier Features

Chandeliers are an investment meant to last several lifetimes and as such there are a few additional factors you may want to consider that go beyond looks. If energy efficiency is important, you may want to focus on eco-friendly models. Or maybe you only want to consider chandeliers that were made in the U.S.A.

Dimmers and Chandeliers

Most chandeliers are compatible with dimmer switches will work with dimmer switches. Be sure to check that dimmer works with the the wattage of the chandelier's bulbs.

Keeping It Clean

Attach a clean, lightweight sock to a thin feather duster. Spray the sock with window cleaner and use it to clean the chandelier. To clean the glass baubles, place a towel in the bottom of a sink, fill with water and add some dishwashing detergent and rubbing alcohol. Remove the baubles from the chandelier, place them in the water and let them soak and dry.

There are also several chandelier glass cleaners available. Place newspaper on the floor beneath the chandelier and spray the chandelier with cleaner. The cleaner will remove the dirt and drip to the floor.

Ceiling Medallions

Ceiling medallions are used with hanging lights to decorate the area where the lighting meets the ceiling. Some ceiling medallions come with pre-cut holes, others do not. Since they are lightweight, ceiling medallions are pretty easy to cut through. First, you will need to measure the size of the chain or anchor of your light that will come through the medallion. Carefully draw this in the center of the medallion. Then cut it out, using a sharp knife or power tool. Make sure not to make a hole so large that you can see through it.

If you are hanging a medallion above a chandelier, it should be about 2/3 the size of the chandelier. Sizes should be adjusted depending on the size of a room and the height of the ceiling.

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